BGF’s latest move in Scotland sends a clear signal: it’s doubling down on growth, people, and long-term relationships—bringing seasoned dealmaker Rory McPherson on board at a time when investor confidence feels like a delicate balancing act.
With six new deals and three exits already under the belt this year, BGF’s Scotland team is moving fast. McPherson’s arrival just put a bit more fuel in the tank.
A Familiar Street, A New Chapter
For Rory McPherson, the move isn’t just a new job—it’s a homecoming of sorts. “Feels like I’ve come full circle,” he said, smiling. And he meant it. The office sits just yards from where he once trained as a young accountant. That sense of place matters.
It adds a personal layer to a career that’s spanned decades, firms, and boardrooms. From corporate finance gigs to leading BDO’s M&A team in Scotland, McPherson’s seen enough deal tables to know what makes a business tick—or stall.
Now, he’s switching from adviser to investor. And the timing? Couldn’t be more interesting.
Backed by a Strong 2024 Start
BGF isn’t a passive player. In fact, it rarely makes a quiet entrance. This year alone, its Scotland and Northern Ireland team has:
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Completed six new investments across growth-hungry SMEs.
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Successfully exited three existing portfolio companies, returning capital and confidence to investors.
That’s not small talk. In a market where capital has gotten picky and boards cautious, moving at that pace takes guts—and a sharp eye.
Paddy Graham, BGF’s regional partner, called Rory’s hire “a natural fit.” He’s not wrong. McPherson’s roots in Scotland’s mid-market M&A ecosystem run deep, and his contact book is probably thicker than most.
A Man Who Knows the Middle Ground
Mid-market might sound like the middle child of investment land—less flashy than unicorns, more grounded than blue chips. But it’s where the real work happens.
Rory’s track record spans:
| Experience Area | Details |
|---|---|
| M&A Advisory | Led BDO Scotland’s M&A team for 7+ years |
| Leveraged Finance | Worked at Lloyds and RBS on growth lending |
| Transaction Types | Acquisitions, MBOs, sales, fundraising |
| Sector Knowledge | Manufacturing, services, tech, healthcare |
These aren’t just bullet points for a CV. This is someone who understands the Scottish business psyche—what makes entrepreneurs push ahead, and what holds them back.
And he’s no stranger to stress-tested decisions. From advising family-owned firms through generational exits, to helping high-growth startups land capital without losing their soul—McPherson’s done the circuit.
What BGF Gets With Rory
In plain terms? BGF just gained a heavyweight with local know-how, practical experience, and probably a Rolodex that stretches from Inverness to the Clyde.
But more than that, they get someone who sees past the spreadsheet. McPherson’s approach, by his own words, is “relationship-first.” That might sound cliché in press releases, but in Scotland’s close-knit business circles, it still matters.
One Edinburgh-based founder who worked with Rory on a previous deal told us off the record: “He gets it. Doesn’t oversell, doesn’t underpromise. Just straight-talking and sharp.”
At BGF, where “patient capital” is a core selling point, that vibe fits like a glove.
A Bigger Bet on the Scottish Market
There’s a broader message here too. BGF is quietly reinforcing its long-term bet on Scotland—even as parts of the UK slow down.
Sure, the macro climate isn’t easy. Interest rates are high, inflation’s been sticky, and consumer sentiment’s all over the place. But underneath that, Scottish SMEs are still grinding—especially in sectors like clean energy, tech, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare.
BGF sees those green shoots, and it’s not backing away. Instead, it’s leaning in with more hands-on support, deeper market reach, and hires like McPherson to stitch the strategy together.
Why This Matters for Founders
For growth-stage companies in Scotland, the news isn’t just corporate HR chatter—it’s potential lifeline stuff. Having another investor on the ground, especially one who knows how deals work inside and out, can change a company’s trajectory.
If you’re a founder juggling scale plans, stretched staff, and post-pandemic realities, BGF’s expanded team could mean faster decisions, better support, or just someone who gets what it’s like to be in the trenches.
That’s what McPherson says he’s most excited about. “Working directly with ambitious founders and helping them take the next step. That’s where I feel I can actually make a difference.”
The good ones always say that. But when you look at his record, it’s hard not to believe it.
